Luke 2 “Submission”

“And He went down with them (Mary and Joseph), and came to Nazareth, and was subject into them: but his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (v.51)

Luke 2 is best known for the written record of the birth of Jesus. How Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, and all the events that followed the birth of the Christ child (vv.4-38). Scripture then tells us that, "when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth" (v.39). Noting more is said about Jesus expect that, "The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him" (v.40).

Then, when Jesus was twelve years old His story picks up again when his family had traveled from their home in the city of Nazareth, back to Jerusalem (as was their custom) for the feast of Passover (v.41). Once Passover was completed, they (Mary and Joseph) started the journey back to Nazareth thinking Jesus was traveling in the company of those returning - they did not realize He was still in Jerusalem (v.43). When they could not find him among the group traveling back to Nazareth, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him (v.45). After three days of “sorrowful searching” they found him in the temple listening, asking and answering questions of the Rabbis – all that heard Him were amazed, even his mother and father (v.46-48).

Now comes the question from his mother, “Son, why have you dealt with us this way? We were worried about you (v.48). Jesus said, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?” (v.49) 

This brings us to a point, a line drawn in the sand. Is Jesus going to stay and continue in His calling or, will He submit to his earthly parents who have less understanding of the big picture and His purpose in life (at this point), and return to Nazareth.

Submission is not about how much one knows but how mature one is. Clearly Jesus, even at the age of twelve, knew infinitely more than Mary and Joseph and could have easily stood firm and not returned. However, His maturity in His future allowed Him to return with His earthly parents. Submission is something He would continue to do His entire life at the will of His Heavenly Father, even to the death of the cross. 

We would all do well to take His humble example to heart. 

The Truth: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Luke 1 "Prophetic Announcements"

In today’s passage, we see two sets of parents who could look ahead into the future and predict what would happen with their children: Zechariah and Elizabeth and Joseph and Mary. Both sets of parents were; given a child through miraculous and supernatural means, told what to name their child, and both couples were told the future role for their child. Imagine expecting a child and already knowing the major role he would play in the salvation of the world!

Zechariah and Elizabeth were told their son (John the Baptist), would become a deliverer of light to a dark world: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High” (v.76). He would also be given a special task: to prepare the way of the Lord—to go before Jesus and prepare people for the Messiah, giving them  “the knowledge of salvation” (v.77) and would baptize and teach the forgiveness of sins.

Joseph and Mary were told of their son Jesus, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (v.32-33). 

Since the writting of the Book of Malachi it had been over 400 years without the prophetic voice of the Lord being heard. And now here in chapter 1 of Luke's gospel, God spoke through Gabriel (Luke 1:13, 1:28), through Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-42), through Mary (Luke 1:46-55), and through Zacharias (Luke 1:67-80). When God spoke again, it was all connected to the theme of Jesus and His work.

While we do not have the same luxury of knowing the future of our children, we can rest assured that God does and is working out His plan for them. As parents all we can do is our best, then commit the rest to God through prayer knowing that, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

The Truth: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Mark 16 “The Resurrection”

 The Angel said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” (v.6-7)

Chapter 16 is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the heart and soul of the Christian doctrine. In it we find many eye witnesses to this miraculous event and His ascension into heaven. No other religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, Islam, has their faith grounded in their leader: dying for their sins, being raised from the dead, seen alive by many witnesses and then ascending into heaven – only Christianity. 

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul records those who saw the risen Lord: “Christ was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

Because Jesus’s disciples continued to testify of this, arrests, beatings and intimidation had become common to silence their message. Order was often maintained by the use of threats and torture. The early chapters of the book of Acts provide glimpses of the persecution of believers, even to the point of death, but the message remained. (see Foxes book of Martyrs) 

The Gospel of Luke records a significant change in this thinking involving Gamaliel, the rabbi who was Saul’s mentor. He wasn’t opposed to the persecution of believers, but he cautioned his fellow members of the Sanhedrin against killing Christians. He understood the power of martyrdom. 

Gamaliel said, “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it – least you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39). 

This tactic of toleration may have kept many believers in Jerusalem and thus slowed down the process of taking the gospel to the world. But, Stephen’s and later James’ deaths eventually changed all of that. The fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 severed to scatter the church to the winds and the message with it.

Later, all of Christ’s disciples died violent deaths but not one ever denied their faith, proving Gamaliel was correct. Many other Christians throughout history have done the same, dying for the truth of Gods Word, not some cunningly designed fable – for the work of God, not man. 

Yes, He has Risen! Hallelujah!    

The Truth: “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10)

Mark 15 “Jesus Brought Before Pilate”

Here in chapter 15 of the book of Mark, Jesus is brought before Pilate (by the chief priests) early in the morning. One of the accusations against Him by the elders was, His claim of being a king. So Pilate asked Him directly, “Are You the King of the Jews?” His answer to Pilate was, “It is as you say.”

Admitting this before the very man that could have saved Him, brought a respect for Jesus. Pilate marveled, the Bible tells us, at Jesus for His honesty and for His silence before His earlier accusers who had mocked Him, beat Him, and spoke blasphemously against Him (Luke 22:63-65).

Pilate, the Bible tells us, believed Jesus to be an innocent man, who upon examination of Jesus said, “I find no fault in Him worthy of death. He has done no evil (Luke 23:14-15). Then turning to the crowd three times Pilate asked, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” (Matthew 27:22) Upon hearing the crowd, Pilate wanting to gratify them more than doing the right thing, delivered Jesus to His accusers to be crucified as they requested. 

How many times have you given into peer pressure, allowing the crowd to dictate your actions, even though you knew in your heart, “this is wrong.” Actions have consequences. Even though Pilate believed Jesus to be innocent and literally washed his hands of the blood, still delivered Him to death. Therefore, Pilate is just as guilty of murder as were the chief priests who planned it and the Romans who carried it out. 

Our lesson here is to stand for the truth, not with the crowd. Do what is right, not what may earn you favor in the eyes of others - to satisfy God, and not man.

The Truth: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16)

Mark 14 “Jesus Prays To The Father”

“Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from Me. Yet not My will but Your will be done.” (v.36)

This pray offered by Jesus to His Father the night before He was to be crucified, shows His concern for what He was about to suffer for us. Luke's gospel tells He was in such agony that His sweat became "great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44). Nevertheless He was obedient to His Father's will.

Three things to take away from this portion of scripture. First, the Lord does not always answer our prayers in the way we request of Him. Even His Son had to walk the path directed for Him. Second, He will not give us more than we can handle and will strengthen us and carry us through all our trials. Finally, all things are working together for (a greater) good for those who love the Lord and follow His will, even when we don’t understand why.

May God also grant us the strength (even when we do not understand understand His will in our prayer life) to walk the path He has for us in obedience. For, "His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways" (Isaiah 55:8), yet "all things are working together for our good" (Romans 8:28).

There is no greater gift of love than this, our Savior’s willingness to obey the Father even to His death for us. May we share His love with all we come into contact with.

The Truth: “Greater love has no man than this, that He would lay down His life for His friends.” (John 15:13) 

Mark 13 "Watch and Pray"

“For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.” (v.19-20)

Here we see Jesus describing to His disciples a time of great tribulation which is to come, the likes of which the world has never known in its history. A time worse than the flood of Noah’s day, worse than the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, or any other event yet future. Never has the world seen, nor will it see anything equal to what is going to transpire during this three and a half year period.

Therefore, He warns them (and us) that, “when you shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (Daniel 9:1-27), then let all that be in Judea flee to the mountains (vv.12-14). 

During that time, those Jews (in Judea) that heed this warning of Jesus and flee to the wilderness area that God has prepared for them, He will provide and take care of them for that three and a half year period. And, “unless the LORD had shortened those days, no flesh (on earth) would be saved” (v.20).

Take heed, watch and pray, especially for those in our lives who need the gospel, for we do not know when this will take place.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)

Mark 12 “The Wicked Vinedresser”

“Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others." (v.9)

Here in chapter 12 we find our Lord speaking to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders with a parable. The parable concerns an absentee landlord (a common figure in those days) who had leased his vineyard to a tenant farmer, a vinedresser. 

At harvest time the landlord sent his servants (multiple times) to collect some of the fruit, and each time they were met with violence, either beaten, stoned, or killed. Finally, the landowner sent his only beloved son to collect some of the harvest. Surely they would honor him. But the son was killed just like those before Him.

In this parable the religious leaders are the vinedressers, Israel is the vineyard and God is the absentee landlord. So we have God sending prophet after prophet to check on the progress of His tenant farmer, only to see each one of them beaten or killed. Finally, out of incomparable love, God sends His only Son to check on the harvest, but they rejected Him as well, nailing Him to a cross.

So, what will the landowner of the vineyard do? He will destroy the vinedressers (the religious leaders) and give the vineyard (the fruit of His promise) to others. The late Pastor Chuck Smith put it this way:

“The nation of Israel had failed to fulfill the purposes for which God had established them as a special people unto the Lord. They failed to bring forth that fruit that God was desiring the nation to produce. So, what will the Lord do? He will take away the privileges, the opportunities, and he will give them to others. 

And so, we see the door opened to the Gentiles, and Jesus here is prophesying and predicting that God is going to do His work, not among the Jews in this age, but more among the Gentiles. And thus, we see the work of God’s Spirit in a powerful way among those Gentile believers in Jesus Christ.”

But, make no mistake, judgment will fall upon those who did not reverence His Son.

The Truth: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me.” (John 16:8-9)

Mark 11 “Have Faith In God”

 Jesus said unto them, "Have Faith In God.” (v.22)

Here in chapter 11 Jesus was teaching his disciples to have faith in God to accomplish those things which seem beyond man's capabilities. This short statement literally means, have the faith of God - full, perfect, effectual faith. No doubts, no fears, just an unwavering confidence in the agent doing the work – God.

Jesus said, "Come unto to Me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). By allowing Him to shoulder our burdens, it not only lightens our load, but gives us peace and rest in our souls knowing He is faithful.

Therefore, the next time you find yourself struggling behind the plow of life, exercise your faith in God by displaying your unwavering confidence in Him, to accomplish those things which are beyond your control.

The Truth: "Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)I’m 

Mark 10 "Our Selfless Example"

 "And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (v.44-45)

Jesus was constantly sacrificing His needs to fulfill those of others, eventually giving His very life as a ransom for all of mankind. And now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. What a great example He left for us here, of putting others first.

I do not believe one can be Christ like and put his/her needs before others. Growing up, I remember my mother would work all day, then come home and start the family dinner, then clean and wash dishes, and even throw in a load of laundry before sitting down. I watched my dad (who had work all day), come home and pitchin with dinner, tidy up around the house, keep up with the outdoor yard work and still have time to throw the football around with me as a kid growing up. They both made many sacrifices for the family, and with three boys, that was not easy.

I thank God for those Christ like examples of putting others first in my life. And while there were many times I was blind to it all because of my selfishness, it’s so clear to me now how important it is to serve others, even if they take it for granted. Thank you mom and dad for all those years of self-sacrifice.

The Truth: “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

Mark 9 “All Things Are Possible”

If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” (v.23)

Here in chapter 9 we see a boy possessed by a mute spirit. And whenever the spirit seized him, it would throw him down; he would then foam at the mouth, gnash his teeth, and then become rigid (vv.17-18). The father first took the boy to Jesus’s disciples, but they could not help (v.18). Then he brought the boy to Jesus and asked for His help (v.22). Jesus then responded to him with our text, “all things are possible to him who believes” (v.23).

The answer the father gives to Jesus is both touching and beautifully honest, “I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (v.24) It was as though he said," I do believe; but my faith is weak.” I think that is the case with many of us today. We believe, but our faith is weak, it breaks down, gets placed in a closet until some misfortune befalls us. Then it’s, “LORD, help me.”

I believe Jesus is saying the same thing to us today as He did to this father in our text over 2000 years ago. And, just like then, He is willing and able to help all who believe at this very moment. 

Therefore, come to the Father, through the precious blood of His Son, Jesus. Lay your burdens down at His feet, and allow His healing to take place in your life today. (see prayer connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth: “Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)

Mark 8 "What Will A Man Give In Exchange For His Soul?"

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (vv.35-37)

Our lives are but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14).

The nature of human existance is short, and every person will eventually come to the end of their physical life here on earth. Therefore, it is important to recognize that shortness of time, so as to not squander what is allotted to us. 

Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a herat of wisdom." God wants us to live with purpose, recognizing that the clock is counting down to the moment we step through death's portal and enter our etrnal state. 

So Jesus in our text asked His disciples two questions, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 

Nothing is more valuable than a person's soul. To trade it away is the epitome of foolishness. When a person chooses to“reject”  Christ for the sake of anything in this life, he will lose his soul. 

The day of reckoning is coming! Let’s use our time wisely. 

The Truth: "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)

 

Mark 7 "Tradition vs The Commandments of God"

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such things you do. And He said unto them, Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.”

Here in chapter 7 Jesus is asked by the Pharisees and the scribes, “Why do Your disciples eat with unwashed hands?” This was asked to find fault with them (His disciples), for the Pharisees and the Jews did not eat unless they washed their hands in a special way (tradition).

This prescribed washing was not for hygienic purposes (as we think of washing) but ceremonial, to meet mans standards of pious cleanliness. This was just one example of the Pharisees and scribes teaching as doctrine their own commandments and ignoring the commandments of God. Thus their traditions, added a yoke of bondage on the people never intended by God. 

Jesus said, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” (vv.14-16)

We must be careful to follow God’s Gospel and not the Gospel according to man, His commands and not mans. May we hear God’s Word and not the commandments of men.

The Truth:  “Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)

Mark 6 “Great Sorrow”

“And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. And immediately the King sent the executioner and commanded his (John the Baptist) head be brought.” (v.26-27)

Have you ever made a promise to someone, even though it may have been made in an off the cuff manner, and later felt trapped into keeping it? And, once you did, regretted that decision or worse yet, still haunted by it today? Well, this story is an example of how a decision made in haste, can emotionally scare for a lifetime. 

Historians tell us that King Herod was haunted all the days of his life by the public oath he had sworn in that moment of pleasure, and by what he had done to John the Baptist. 

Decisions made on emotions, under peer pressure, or when we are not thinking clearly, can often haunt us for the rest of our days. While it is true, there is no sin common to man that cannot be forgiven (if confessed to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ), we cannot escape the consequences of our actions. Though others may forgive us (including our Lord), we often find it difficult to forgive ourselves. But we must, or satan will keep us locked in that moment and prevent us from moving forward. 

Scripture tells us that Jesus endured the cross that we might have forgiveness sin and a new life in Him. If we can’t accept that (by first asking for forgiveness) and then by forgiving ourselves, we make a mockery of His death. 

Therefore Christian, forgive yourself and give no quarter to the evil one that would like you to remain in condemnation, and move forward in Christ Jesus in whom there is none.

The Truth: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15) 

Mark 5 “Come Out Of Him”

 Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” (v.8)

After showing His authority over the natural world in chapter 4 by calming the wind and the waves on the Sea of Galilee (v.39), Jesus here in chapter 5 shows His authority over the supernatural world, by casting out demons from a man living among the tombs of the Gadarenes (vv.2-13); He also displays His power and authority over death, by raising a young child to life who had passed (vv.39-43).

Who is this man? The demons in this chapter said it best, “Son of the Most High God” (v.7). They knew who He was, they knew of His power and authority, and they feared Him. Luke’s gospel tells that they begged Him not to be sent to the abyss (bottomless pit - Luke 8:31). Here in Mark 5 they implored Jesus not to torment them (v.5), nor send them away out of the country (v.10), but that He allow them to enter a large heard of nearby swine (v.12).   

I find it interesting that demons knew more about Christ, His authority and power, than those who claimed to know the scriptures. They (the demons) knew enough about Him to try and avoid His immediate righteous judgment, by pleading for embodied life within a heard the pigs. But even the unclean pigs wanted nothing to do with these demon spirits. For once they entered, "the pigs they ran violently down a steep place, into the sea, and drown” (v.13).

We serve a great and mighty God. The One who has authority over all things. Who speaks to the wind and the waves, and calms them. The One who holds all things together, or breaks them down, by the power of His voice. One whom even the demonic spirits know, fear, and obey. 

The Truth: “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”  (Colossians 1:16-20)

Mark 4 “Parable Of The Soils”

Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” (v.8)

Jesus often taught the lessons of scripture through parables. The word parable comes from the idea of, “to set along side.” Jesus then used parables to set a spiritual truth along side a daily living truth. In this parable of the soils, Jesus described something the people of an agricultural society were all familiar with – a farmer casting seed on the ground and the seed falling on different types of soil (vv.1-9).

Through this daily living truth, Jesus is teaching the spiritual truth of how different types of people (soils) respond to the Word of God. It tells us that the success or failure of a crop isn't necessarily in the skill of the farmer or in the power of the seed, but in the quality of the soil. Some listeners are like rich soil, and the message takes root in their heart. Others resemble hard ground, and the seed simply bounces off them. Still others are like a weed patch that chokes out potential growth.

Therefore, the heart of the unbeliever (like the stoney ground) needs to be softened, watered, and cultivated, to become “good soil” so the seed of eternal life might take root, and bear fruit in. Some hearts take longer to prepare than others, and one may not always see the fruit of his labor, as spiritual truths need time to grow in the human heart - some longer than others. Thus the saying, “One sows and another reaps.” 

The Truth: “I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)

Luke 24 “Hope Restored”

“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'" (Luke 24:6-7)

Luke 24 contains two themes throughout the chapter; 1) the fulfillment of Christ's teachings on His death, burial and resurrection and 2) the continued struggles His disciple had in seeing this truth as it was; predicted, unfolded, and completed before their every eyes.

After Jesus's death, His disciples were blinded by their grief, discouraged, lost, afraid, and did not see this event for what it was, the fulfillment of all that the prophets have spoken! They saw His death as the end of their Messiah and His kingdom here on earth, not reconciling it with what He had taught them. (Matthew 20:17-19)

It took the Lord Himself appearing to; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, to Peter, then the twelve collectively showing them His hands and His feet, eating with them and finally opening their understanding to the scriptures, before their blindness turned to joy and their hope restored. (v.45)  

My prayer is the our unsaved loved ones will have their eyes opened and their blindness turned to joy. 

John 19 “Good Friday”

 So why is today called "Good Friday" instead of "Bad Friday" or something similar? Because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God's plan to save His people from their sin. 

The Law required a blood sacrifice for sin, so God poured out His wrath against sin on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order that forgiveness and salvation would be possible for all nations. Jesus endure the cross on "Good Friday" knowing it would lead to our salvation, His resurrection, and the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption. 

Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross, but the best is yet to come, as Jesus would rise from the dead and conquer death for us all. 

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Mark 3 "Stretch Out Your Hand"

And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. (vv.1-6) 

What does a stubborn heart look like? A stubborn heart is like a stone, unresponsive to the needs and sufferings of others. It lacks tenderness and compassion. The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 15:7-8 to not harden our hearts against a poor brother but to open our hands to him. Compassion isn't just for the poor; it also extends to the sick and disabled. In Mark 3, Jesus sees a man with a withered hand and challenges the crowd about doing good on the Sabbath. Their silence grieves Jesus, showing their hard hearts. A hard heart is unmoved by suffering and lacks empathy.

How does a hard heart hurt us? Jonathan Edwards, an 18th-century pastor and theologian, described a hardened heart as being unaffected and insensible. This unfeeling nature extends to our relationship with God. The Bible says a hard heart refuses to hear or respond to God. For example, Zedekiah's hardened heart led him to ignore God's call to repentance (2 Chronicles 36:13). Romans 2:4-5 warns that a hard heart stores up wrath because it is unresponsive to God's kindness, meant to lead us to repentance.

How do we avoid a hard heart in the first place? Avoiding a hard heart begins with being part of a healthy community of believers who encourage us daily. Hebrews 3:13 advises us to encourage one another every day to prevent being hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Sin lies, telling us that God's ways are not satisfying. These lies can harden our hearts if not countered by the truth. Being in a community that reminds us of God's worth and the deceitfulness of sin helps keep our hearts tender and responsive.

How can a hard heart be softened? Softening a hard heart is a miraculous work of God. Ezekiel 36:26-27 promises that God will give us a new heart and spirit, removing our heart of stone and replacing it with a tender heart of flesh. This transformation, akin to being born again, is a gift from God. Once we have a soft heart, staying in a supportive, godly community helps maintain it. Regular encouragement from fellow believers helps us recognize and resist sin's lies, keeping our hearts open and responsive to God's love and guidance.

This is one of the few places in scripture where Jesus is described as having anger, and He was angry - at the hardness of men’s hearts. Jesus was angry because this was a perfect opportunity for these critics of His to change their minds about Him and their traditions. But they refused to change their minds and rejected Jesus instead. In this we can see that Jesus deliberately used this occasion to provoke a response. Jesus could have done this the next day. Jesus could have done it privately. But He chose to do it at this time and place. And what was the reaction of His critics? They went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. 

Jesus did nothing but a wonderful miracle. In response, two parties of former enemies (the Pharisees and the Herodians) agreed together in one cause: to destroy Jesus. Their hatred for Him went much deeper than the Law, their distain for each other, and the violation of the Sabbath.  They would rather stir up contorversy than rejoice in this man's healing. Luke 6:11 says, that the critics of Jesus were filled with rage when Jesus healed this man. I ask you, which was more of sin against God and a violation of the Sabbath: When Jesus healed a man, or when these hate-filled men plotted the murder of a man who never sinned against anybody?

The Truth: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

Mark 2 "The Power of Jesus To Forgive and Heal"

"Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” (vv.3-5)

Jesus was in Capernaum, likely at Peter’s house, surrounded by crowds eager to see, hear, and touch him. Imagine the poor and sick, desperate to experience his healing touch. Suddenly, four men carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Unable to get through the door, they climbed onto the roof, removed part of the thatch, and lowered their friend down to Jesus. Their faith and determination were remarkable.

Jesus didn't ask what the paralyzed man wanted; he knew his deepest need. Seeing the faith of his friends, Jesus said, "Son, your sins are forgiven." This surprised everyone, as they expected a physical healing, but Jesus offered something far greater—spiritual healing. The religious leaders were shocked and accused Jesus of blasphemy since only God could forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, challenged them and then healed the man physically, proving his divine authority.

This story isn’t just about a miracle; it’s about the transformative power of Jesus. He meets us where we are, in the middle of our daily lives, and offers us forgiveness and healing. Just as he did for the paralyzed man, Jesus addresses our deepest needs, often surprising us with his grace. He calls us to respond with faith, trusting in his power to transform our lives.

Jesus’ miracles reveal his identity as the Son of God and his message of salvation. They compel us to reflect on our response to Him. Are we like the religious leaders, skeptical and resistant, or like the paralyzed man and his friends, full of faith and open to his transformative power? I pray you find yourself open to His forgiveness and His power to transform your life.

The Truth: "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanes us from all unrighteousness." 

Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice Your King Is Coming”

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)

Here the prophet Zechariah describes the 1st coming of Jesus over 500 years before it occurred. He correctly refers to Him as, "having salvation." Therefore, when Jesus did enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey, as prophesied, the people cried, "Hosanna!" or, literally, "Save now!" (Matthew 21:9). They were hoping Jesus had come to save them from the Roman government and establish His kingdom on earth now.

As Jesus drew near to the city Luke's gospel tells us "He wept," because the people did not know the scriptures well enough to understand the reason for His first coming (v.41-44), and those who did (scribes, chief priests Pharisees) were scheming to kill Him out of fear and jealousy. As news of His arrest and interrogation became public, and His expected kingship here on earth began to fade, many of those same people who cried "Hosanna" were now crying, "Crucify Hm."

While the Jews were looking for a savior to liberate them from Roman rule, the purpose for Jesus' first coming was to die for the sins of the world, to be the perfect sacrifice for you and for me. Though many are still looking for Messiah, may we not miss the fact and purpose of His first coming, because His second coming will be much different.

The Truth
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10)

Mark 1 “Jesus Baptized”

 “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” Immediately the Spirit sent Him out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.” (vv.9-13)

Mark's gospel begins with a brief description of the ministry of John the Baptize. Mark indicates that John's ministry of preaching and baptism fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah (40:3). That he was sent to set the stage for the coming Messiah and announce His purpose. John's message promised that the one who came after him would indeed baptize with the Holy Spirit.

What I find significant in our text is, that the first action Jesus took after He was baptized (and once He began His public ministry), was to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit (v.12). Even though it meant He would be without shelter, without food, exposed to the wild beasts, and buffeted by Satan for forty days, He responded anyway.

Jesus' actions exemplify the two most important dimensions of a life of purpose; 1) He knew what God the Father had called Him to do, and 2) He was responsive to the calling of the Holy Spirit in His life. We too have a purpose to fulfill. May we continually listen to the “still small voice” of the Spirit guiding us to His purposes in our lives, and be responsive to that leading.

The Truth: “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

Matthew 28 “He Is Risen”

“He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6)

Jesus had often predicted that He would rise from the dead, but the disciples did not understand it, and consequently did not expect it. But God would not leave His Son in a tomb, nor suffer Him to see corruption. He was not stolen away as the chief priests hired the soldiers to say He was; nor was He removed to another place, as Mary Magdalene first thought, when she found Him gone; but He had risen from the dead, by the power of His Father.

Therefore, when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrived at the tomb expecting to anoint the body of Jesus, they were met by an angel of the LORD instead saying, “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” It took the Lord Himself appearing to; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, to Peter, then the twelve collectively showing them His hands and His feet, eating with them and finally opening their understanding to the scriptures, before their blindness turned to joy and their hope restored.  

Just as it took the infallible truth of the scriptures to open the eyes of those who walked with Jesus then, so it may be with our loved ones today as well. With so much evil in our world, we need to keep praying that our Lord will bring His truth into their lives and open their understanding to His love and grace.

The Truth: Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And on the third day He will rise again.” (Matthew 20:17-19) 

Matthew 27 “Let Him Be Crucified”

Pilate said to them, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let him be crucified." To which the governor replied, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they cried out the more, saying, "Let him be crucified.” (Matthew 27:22-23)

Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the outstretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath.

The victim would continually try to push himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. Eventually, the pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours (if they broke your legs), to a number of days depending on an individual physical condition. Crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals, and was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die. Condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from it.

Jesus voluntarily died this death (refusing the medication v. 34) for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin through His atonement. But, this greatest gift ever given was not His end, for the best was yet to come in chapter 28. Hope to see you there.

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Matthew 26 “The Prayer of Jesus”

 "And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)

In this prayer we are shown the two wills of Christ, the human and Divine. The human will seeking deliverance from torture by requesting, “if it be possible”, is there another way? While at the same time the divine will, ready to submit and comply with His impending death on the cross, “not as I will, but as You will.”

Three times that night Jesus prayed this prayer. Luke’s gospel records that Jesus was in such conflict of soul and body that, "his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground." Luke further records that, an angel was dispensed from heaven to strengthen and support the fainting human life of our savior, that He might drink the cup of indignation and death for us (Luke 22:43-44).

This prayer of Jesus is meant for our example to follow, when going through our own struggle of wills. May we learn to endure whatever God's will may be in our lives, whether easy or difficult in dispensation, and put His will above our own.

The Truth: “In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things, which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.”

Matthew 25 “Be Ready”

Here in chapter 25 Jesus finishes His Olivet Discourse with a piece of practical advise, Be Ready.

In light of the end times there are three things one must consider in relation to being ready: 1) personal salvation (vv.1-13), 2) responsible stewardship (vv. 14-30) and 3) practical servanthood (vv. 31-46).

If the rapture occurred tonight, would you be ready? Would you be found: 1) With His Spirit burning in your heart? 2) Making the most of the talents you have been given? And 3) Serving others? 

Jesus said, “Pray that you will be found worthy to be kept from the hour of tribulation” (Luke 21:36). In other words, some will not be ready, and they will go through that terrible time. Make no mistake, Jesus is coming again in all His glory, and all the holy angels with Him (v. 31). The only question is, "Will you be ready?"

The Truth: “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” (2 Thessalonians 5:1-10)

Matther 24 "The End Of Days"

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (v.37)

OK. What were the days of Noah like? The Bible tells us that the wickedness of man was great, and that every imagination of his heart was only evil (Genesis 6:5). Abnormal sexual practices abounded (Genesis 6:4), and that violence and corruption filled the earth (Genesis 6:11). Sound familiar?

Today, we are seeing the days of Noah virtually repeated by man. Violence, corruption, evil imaginations and abnormal sexual practices are abounding. Add to that, pestilences, famines and earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. Along with a society that calls good evil and evil good. Noah lived before the flood, and we before the fire. Noah spoke of a coming physical rain (to man's days), and we (the church) the coming reign of Christ (to end man's days).

Noah had been building his ark and preaching to his people for one hundred and twenty years, but they did not listen. They just kept living in sin, and each day was like the next - eating, drinking and marrying. Right up until the day Noah entered into the ark and it began to rain. So too many people today care nothing for their spiritual future, though they hear the message all around them: radio, TV, pod cast, churches, friends, neighbors, family. They only live for the moment with no regrets. After all, there's plenty of time to "catch up" with Jesus, right? Wrong!

In chapter 24 Jesus speaks of the end times as they relate to nations, Israel specifically, and the church. At the end of the chapter (vv. 42-51), Jesus instructs all of us to be faithful servants, to be watchful, wise, and warns us concerning the events of His return. And like those who were shut out of the Ark in Noah's day when it began to rain, so shall it be with those who have not headed the warning, and accepted God's Son before the coming of Jesus - in the twinkling of an eye.

Therefore, be His faithful servants, be watchful, be wise, and be warned, for the end of days draws near.

The Truth: “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7) 

Matthew 23 “Playing the Hypocrite”

"Wow to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”  (vv. 27-28)

These are words that cut to the heart, for we all are guilty of playing the hypocrite. A hypocrite is literally, “one who hides behind a mask.” There’s an old story of a man who told the pastor he didn’t go to church because there were so many hypocrites there. The pastor responded by saying, “Oh, don’t let that stop you. There’s always room for one more.”

While I’m sure you could find at least one in every church, genuine believers remember that they are first and foremost forgiven hypocrites themselves. There’s an old saying that, "going to church doesn’t make one a believer any more than going into a garage makes one a mechanic." What some people perceive as hypocrisy in the church is in fact the result of a mistaken assumption. Some people assume others are believers just because they get up on Sundays and go to a place called church. It’s just not so.

On another related note, authentic believers are also sinners, and they know it. The apostle John wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). A hypocrite claims to be without fault in one area or another. An authentic believer on the other hand, freely admits to the fact that he or she is a sinner, and consistently seeks forgiveness from it.

If you would like to get rid of your mask and join in the family of authentic believers, Jesus is ready to forgive you and bring you into His family. Just stop pretending, admit your weaknesses, and come on home. (See the prayer to the right of this post)

The Truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleans us for all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Matthew 22 “Jesus Questioned”

But the Pharisees, when they heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him saying, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" (v. 34-36)

Here in chapter 22 Jesus had been answering questions posed to Him by the Pharisees and the Sadducees designed to, "entangle Him in His own talk" (v. 15). In the beginning of this passage we find our Lord replying to a question of a certain lawyer, who thought for sure he could entrap Jesus into a theological corner of disgrace by asking him, "Which is the greatest commandment of the law?"

The question, was obviously asked in no friendly spirit. But, we have reason to be thankful however that it was asked at all, for it drew an answer full of precious instruction, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang the Law and the Prophets" (vv. 37-40)

The Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Lawyers, they all wanted to make religion complicated. And they certainly didn't like the idea of Jesus (the son of a carpenter), one who had no "formal training" in their eyes, winning the hearts of the people through His simple teachings. But Jesus was correct, the heart of the Law and the way to salvation is to love the LORD our God with all our hearts.

The Truth: "We love him because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Matthew 21 “The Barren Fig Tree”

Now in the morning, as He (Jesus) returned to the city, He hungered. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it, and found nothing on it but leaves, and said unto it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” And immediately the fig tree withered away." (v.18-20)

Here we see that Jesus hungered. He went to the fig tree expecting fruit because it had leaves; but, finding no fruit, He sentenced it to perpetual barrenness. This cursing of the barren “fig-tree” represents the state of hypocrites in general; the state of the nation, and people of the Jews in particular. They were the “fig-tree” planted in Christ's way as a church, but like the tree they were covered in leaves but no fruit - a huge disappointment to our Lord Jesus.

We too must be careful not to be a disappointment, a hypocrite, or a false witness to Christ and to those around us. May God help us to be like the tree, "planted beside rivers of water” that bears fruit in its season, ready to give sustenance to all in need, and not like the barren fig tree.

Therefore, don’t let your roots become dry. Water them daily with His Word and fruit will abound from your life to others.

The Truth: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

Matthew 20 “The Parable Of The Landowner”

“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.” (v. 1)

This parable, recorded only by Matthew, is closely connected with the end of the nineteenth chapter and Peter's question as to how it should fare with those who, like himself, had left all for Christ.

Jesus’s teaching here is designed to show that while the disciples would be richly rewarded, a certain equity would still be observed towards later converts and workmen in His service who may not have labored as long. While some men may have come to Christ earlier in life, and served Him longer than others who have been recently converted, will enter the kingdom of heaven.

Thus, every man ought to go forward in service to Him without stopping or staggering, and not curiously examining the doings of other men. The lesson is, watch out for jealousy and greed. Be more concerned with answering your calling, not your position or reward of others. 

The Truth: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)

Matthew 19 “What Do I Lack?”

 Now behold one came to Him and said, “Good master, what good thing shall I do to have eternal life?” (v. 16)

Here in chapter 19 we find Jesus counseling a rich young ruler. Throughout this young man's life he has tried to do the good thing, the right thing to his fellow man. And yet, he is conscious that there is a void in his life, and that there must be something more than just living a good life and being wealthy, to gain eternal life (v. 20). So he asked Jesus, "What do I lack?"

Jesus then answered his question by telling him to leave his wealth behind, to come and follow Him, and he would have treasure in heaven (v. 21). Now when the young rich man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had a great many possessions (v. 22). Then said Jesus turned unto his disciples and said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (v 24).

This response by Jesus has been misunderstood by many and was never intended to be a universal commandment. It was a statement meant for the rich young ruler only, to expose the one thing that was holding him back from eternal life, his wealth. Jesus was indicating that it is impossible to buy or work your way into heaven. No man by any good work can inherit eternal live. It is a gift of God, and it is only brought by a miracle of God working in our hearts and lives through His Spirit, and not bought with wealth or works.

Therefore, what is impossible with man, is possible with God (v. 26). And, like all men, he had a choice. So what did the rich young ruler lack? The desire to follow Jesus, for He is the way to eternal life, and there is no real life apart from Him.

The Truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6)

Matthew 18 “Become As A Child”

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Truly I say to you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (v.3)

The disciples were often concerned about the question of greatness. They seem to ask this question thinking that Jesus had already chosen one of them as greatest. Therefore, they wanted hear it from Him who among them would hold the highest position in the administration He would soon establish. His answer was very humbling.   

Jesus set a little child before His disciples (who were arguing who would be the greatest in the kingdom v.1), solemnly assuring them that unless they were converted and became like a little child pure in heart, they could not enter His kingdom.

In Mark’s gospel we are given some insight into this portion of scripture. Mark says (Mark 9:35) that Jesus, before he placed the little child in the midst of them, told them that, "if any man desires to be first, the same shall be last and the servant of all." That is, he shall be the most distinguished who is the most humble, and who is willing to be esteemed least of all.

Little children are (to a great extent), free from of ambition, pride, and haughtiness. They are characteristically humble, innocent and teachable. Jesus is telling His disciples to take on those characteristics, to lay aside their ambitious views and their pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station as a servant. He is teaching them there is no room for rivalry, jealousy, ambition, worldliness, distrust and conceit. That they must turn away from such failings and “Become as little children.”

A good lesson for us all. 

The Truth: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

Matthew 17 “Jesus Speaks Of His Death”

 And while they stayed in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again." And they were exceeding sorry. (vv. 22-23)

Here in our text, Jesus reminds His disciples about His future sufferings. He rarely told His disciples about His coming death without also telling of His coming resurrection. We know that the disciples didn’t really comprehend the glorious triumph of the resurrection, because they were "exceedingly sorrowful." 

I think if His disciples would have just listened closer to what Jesus was telling them (that He would raise from the dead in three days), they would not have been nearly so grieved. Their grief was a bitter grief such as non-believers, who have no hope beyond this life when they lose their loved ones. The disciples simply could not (at this point) conceive of life without their Savior being their in the flesh by their side.

Yet Jesus, though He had the power to call upon heaven to save Him from His future agony, was willing to accept what was to come, to suffer and die on the cross for the sins of the world - even though many would reject His deity and His resurrection. 

While none of us will ever face such a death, we will one day face it. And during that moment, or other difficult seasons in life, may we learn to endure the path we must walk, endure the pain that comes our way, and to be content with His will in our lives. For a New Heaven and a New Earth awaits those who believe on Him.

The Truth: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Matthew 16 “Whom Do You Say That I Am?”

Here in chapter 16 Jesus asks two questions of His disciples; 1) Whom do men say that I am? and 2) Whom do you say that I am? One could ask the first question of people today and get a similar variety of answers His disciples reported over 2000 years ago; a teacher, a prophet, a healer, even a good man.

However, Simon Peter answered the second question correctly when he responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). Typical of Peter, straight and to the point. Anything short of that would have been the wrong answer. 

Today the eternal question remains the same, who do you believe Jesus is? Is He a teacher? A prophet? A good man? Or, is He the Christ, the Son of the living God. Your answer will determine your eternal future.

During the Christmas season, a holiday set aside to recognize the Savior's birth, it exposes how many would answer these questions. As everywhere you go some will say, "Happy Holidays" but others will say “Merry CHRISTmas." 

As we have just begun a new year, do yourself an eternal favor and recognize the One we sing about during the Christmas season ; the "King of kings", the "LORD of lords", Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

The Truth: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)

Matthew 15 “Matters Of The Heart”

Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (vv.16-20)

Here in chapter 15 Jesus is teaching on matters of the heart. While doing so He completely disregards some oral Jewish traditions, infuriating the Scribes and Pharisees who stand more on tradition than scripture. Jesus is teaching that, it is more important to wash your heart than your hands. Why? “Because the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

The solution to defilement then is to cleans the heart not the hands. As King David wrote in the Psalms we should, "hide God’s word in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him” (Psalm 119:11). How is defilement avoided? By God’s Word, purifying our hearts, certainly not by ceremonially washing our hands.

May we be more concerned with what goes into our hearts and eventually comes out of our mouths, and stand on scripture rather than tradition.   

The Truth: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Matthew 14 “Keep Your Eyes On Jesus”

Peter said, Lord, if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. And Jesus said, “Come." But when Peter saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and he began to sink, and he cried, saying, Oh, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, why did you doubt?” (vv. 28-31)

Here in chapter 14 Jesus had just sent the multitudes of people away (who had followed Him out of the city) in order that He might spend some time in prayer by Himself. He had spent the day healing the sick, feeding the Five Thousand from five loaves and two fish, and encouraging/instructing His disciples. Being spent from the demands of the day, He was in need of strengthening His own Spirit through prayer to His father. Therefore, He sent His disciples ahead of Him in a boat to cross the sea and told them He would meet them on the other side. 

Scripture next tells us that some time later, the boat was in the middle of the sea being tossed by the waves and that the wind was contrary (v.24). Then, in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea (v.25). This was somewhere between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. According to Mark (Mark 6:47-52), Jesus came to the disciples walking on the water after they had exhausted themselves rowing against the waves and windy storm. No wonder they thought he was a ghost and cried out in fear (v.26), they were probably delirious. 

Therefore, Jesus immediately spoke to them these comforting words, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." This statement caused Peter to reply, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And we know what happened from there.

The lesson for all of us here is to keep our eyes upon Jesus and not on our circumstances. When we start looking around at our problems we can begin to sink. Every one of us faces daily situations that could sink us, if we allow ourselves to get caught up into our circumstances. We just need to keep our eyes on the Lord, the Master over the wind and the waves of our daily lives. Then, like Peter, who when looking at Jesus was able to walk on water, so shall we conquer our our daily trials in like manner.

Yes we can all become distracted by the wind and waves around us. But, even in our moments of "little faith” God is there, ready to comfort and help His children - Even when we are doubting Him.

The Truth: "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)